Insurance claims from the severe storms in Perth and Melbourne last month look set to top $2 billion as the bill for the natural catastrophes continues to mount.

Insurers in Perth have received about 120,500 claims following the March 22 storm, with estimated insured losses of $889 million.

The Melbourne storm on March 6 has resulted in 106,000 claims with insured losses of $890 million.

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) says the latest figures indicate the Perth storm is the most costly natural catastrophe ever to hit WA in terms of insured losses.

“Realistically, full recovery from this catastrophe may take up to 18-24 months,” the council says in a statement.

Insurers in Perth have now completed more than 38% of initial property assessments and more than 55% of vehicle inspections.

“Additional challenges exist due to the limited availability of both building and motor vehicle repair tradespeople,” ICA said.